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Austin Lord, a senior Illustration Major from Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicburg, PA, is originally from Savannah GA. He is a student ambassador because he "loves the school I go to and wants to do my part in the community!"

In addition to being a student ambassador, Austin is also the Vice President of Student Council.

Come to the PCA&D Open House on Saturday, January 20 to meet Austin and the other Student Ambassadors. Register Here.

Here are some of Austin's thoughts:

Do you have a motto/favorite quote?

“It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday”

What makes you laugh out loud?

My friends, Portlandia, and Bob’s Burgers

As you were searching and comparing colleges, what attracted you to PCA&D?

One on one time with faculty, how current professors are in their field, the professional quality of student and alumni work.

What words of wisdom would you share with a prospective student?

Have goals but be flexible with how you get there and explore everything along the way! Be open to new opportunities.

What surprised you the most about Lancaster and why?

Lancaster city is just the right size. Especially for students leaving home for the first time, it’s great to get adjusted to living independently without an overwhelmingly large city.

When talking about the college what is one thing you are sure to describe?

The amazing professors and the valuable one on one time you get with them that not all colleges can provide.

Share about an experience that impacted your understanding of the creative industry.

I learn more and more everyday. My professors always share their experiences of how complex and important visual communication is in everyday life.

Thinking back on your entire experience here at PCA&D, which professor impacted you the most- how/why?

Mike Hawthorne. I had him for a couple of classes and he always stressed the importance of being a well rounded illustrator and went above and beyond to make sure we had any skills necessary to succeed. He took a lot of time to cater the classes to what we wanted or needed to learn the most and made sure it was worth it for everyone on an individual basis. He always expected the best from us and held our work to a standard we would be proud of. His expertise and passion for sharing his knowledge always inspires me to do beyond my best and be a positive influence on others.

When were you inspired by another student?

Everyday. My classmates always inspire me to not only push my projects to the next level but I take inspiration from their work from concept to final. Seeing our progress and growth can be some of the best inspiration.

What non-classroom activity from your years at PCA&D will you always remember?

The friends I make and events I helped plan in student council. I’ll always remember the strong feeling of community and the fun I had.

What surprised you the most about PCA&D?

How fully developed my skills are in a range of media I wouldn’t have expected to explore. Also I was a bit surprised at how many different fields have opened up that I want to explore in my career.

What single tip would you tell an incoming student?

Keep an open mind and explore as many aspects of art as you can. You will go so much farther if you never stop exploring and pushing yourself.

Student Ambassadors serve as representatives of the college. They work with the admissions department where they serve as guides for prospective students and their parents, art teachers, and guidance counselors. Student Ambassadors attend each PCA&D open house event, provide important insight into the creative environment afforded to students in our degree programs and create an important link to prospective students who want to be part of the PCA&D community. Learn more.

Artwork shown is by Austin Lord. The above Print Crawl poster is by Austin Lord and Catherine Spangler.